Brian Cushing back at practice, likely start vs. MIA

Brian Cushing could get his first start since at Reliant Stadium on Saturday against the Dolphins.

Brian Cushing could get his first start since suffering a season-ending knee injury last October. Head coach Gary Kubiak plans on having the starters play on Saturday at Reliant Stadium after resting nine starters in the Texans 27-13 preseason win at Minnesota. A final decision on Cushing will be made later in the week.

"That's part of the process," Kubiak said. "See how he's doing. He did well in pads today, not sure if we'll be in pads tomorrow or not, but all signs are pointing to him being able to get some reps but we'll see. We'll make a decision at the end of the week.

“Not my decision,” Cushing said of his likelihood of playing in Saturday’s preseason game against the Miami Dolphins. “We’ll take it day-by-day. I’m practicing to play, so we’ll see what happens and see how I feel by the end of the week, but I’d like to.”

Cushing had been practicing at full strength at camp, but missed Sunday and Monday morning's camp because of a stomach virus. The All-Pro linebacker returned on Tuesday and said he was feeling better.

“Yeah, it’s good to have him back to work,” Kubiak said. “Pretty full-go with what we’re doing except for quarterback this morning. Any time Cush is on the field, the intensity picks up. We’ve got to start to get him ready to go, so back to work.”

“Cush is a great player,” Watt said. “He’s fun to play with; he’s great to be behind me. Obviously it’s fun to play with him behind me because I know he’s going to fly around. It’s good to have him back, I’ll say that. It’s definitely good to have him back.”